EPR and Diamond Research Group
Our research group specialises in the development of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and optical spectroscopic methods, and applies these techniques in the study of diamond and other materials/systems. We also work with the Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group on the development of Diamond Based Sensors.
Diamond has been valued for its appearance and mechanical properties for at least two thousand years; as a gem stone diamond is unsurpassed. Diamond is an elemental semiconductor with a very large electronic energy gap, impressive carrier mobilities, high electrical breakdown strength and the highest thermal conductivity of any material at room temperature. Pure diamond is optically transparent from the ultra-violet into the infrared and microwave regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, supremely resistant to chemical corrosion and being carbon, biologically compatible in many applications. The list of impressive properties goes on, some of the extreme properties have been known for many years, but the true magnitude of others are still only coming to light as control in synthesis and hence material perfection is improved.
Most of the properties are controlled by defects and impurities and our group focuses on identifying these and exploiting them in the engineering of material for applications as diverse as water quality sensors, single spin magnetometers and power electronic components. The ultimate prize for man made diamond is surely not in the synthesis of gem stones (or should that be “clones”?), but in delivering diamond enabled technological solutions to the challenges facing our society today.
Diamond Group: Picture taken before the 2010 DTC Diamond Conference Dinner, University of Warwick
From left: Dr. Bianca Barbu, Prof. Julie Macpherson (Warwick Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group), Dr. Andrew Edmonds, Christopher Hartland, Dr. Chris Welbourn, Lucy Tomlinson*, Ben Green, Dr Laura Hutton**, James Iacobini*, Dr Stephanie Liggins, Dr. Mark Newton and Dr Ulrika D'Haenens-Johansson
(* Interdisciplinary PhD/** Interdisciplinary PDRA student working with the Electrochemistry and Interfaces Group and the EPR and Diamond Group)
NEWS
Click here for description of PhD Positions Available for October 2012 start.
November 2011: Brad Cann (PhD 2009) joins De Beers as a Research Scientist.
October 2011: Matthew Dale and Mika Tamski join the group.
September 2011: Yasmin Kosar joins the group as iMR CDT Administrator.
August 2011: BBC's Bang Goes the Theory at Warwick. Clip 1
and Clip 2
August 2011: Ulrika D'Haenens-Johansson joins the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
July 2011: Ben Green wins the Corbett Prize at ICDS 26. The award was for the originality and quality of the research as well as its presentation.
June 2011: Ulrika D'Haenens-Johansson awarded PhD.
April 2011: Warwick leads successful bid for EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Integrated Magnetic Resonance see www.imr-cdt.ac.uk.
April 2011: New Sensors Laboratory Opens.
December 2010: Stephanie Liggins awarded PhD.
November 2010: Andrew Edmonds awarded PDRA position at Macquarie University
November 2010: Stephanie Liggins joins Element Six Ltd.
